English Premiership 2018/2019

The 2018/19 English Premiership rugby union season takes place between the 31st August 2018 and 1st June 2019. Therefore, it is a long, hard season with players putting their bodies on the line every week in the hope of bringing success to their team.

The competition is sponsored by Gallagher, a US based insurance firm and features 12 teams. The newcomers this season, following promotion from the 2017/18 RFU Championship are Bristol Bears and they replace London Irish, who were relegated.

Saracens begin the season as the defending Premiership champions having defeated Exeter in the final last season and remain the favourites to win the title again this season. Saracens have won the English Premiership four times but they have some way to go before catching the all-time leaders Leicester Tigers, who have won the title 10 times.

However, Saracens are the English Premiership 2018/19 favourites and they brought in David Strettle to replace the retired Chris Wyles in the back three. With so many of the Saracens top players being called upon by their country, the addition of Strettle could prove key throughout the campaign.

Saracens may lose out on first place in the final English Premiership 2018/19 league table but all their international players will be available for the playoffs. They also have the potential of a home semi-final to look forward to, making them the bookies favourites to win the 2018/19 English Premiership.

Exeter were the team who lost to Saracens in the final last season and they are set to be their closest challengers again this time around. Alex Cuthbert was the only player added to the squad from outside the club in the summer but could prove to be an astute piece of business by Exeter. Cuthbert has not been in great form for Cardiff but has the ability to be a top winger on his day and should bring tries to this team.

Exeter are expected to have less England call-ups than Saracens and this will work in their favour. If they enjoy a deep run in the European Champions Cup it could hinder their progress a little but it would not be a surprise to see Exeter finish top of the table and claim a place in the final.

Wasps will hope to challenge the top two teams in the English Premiership 2018/19 but may have to settle for third place. Gloucester and Leicester make up the chasing pack.

Looking towards the bottom of the table and it is going to be a tough 2018/19 English Premiership season for Newcastle. They impressed last season but the early signs suggest they are going to struggle to stage a repeat and could be battling for their Premiership status throughout the campaign.

Bristol Bears, Sale Sharks and Northampton Saints will also have one eye over their shoulder as they aim to avoid the dreaded relegation spot at the bottom of the league.

Everything is set for a thrilling 2018/19 English Premiership season at both ends of the table.